In 2020, ASM published a collection of papers in the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education (JMBE), which includes strategies for inclusion of Hispanic and Latine scientists in microbiology programs and research on disparities in remote learning faced during COVID-19.
Members of the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists, an ASM branch, created the first and only Spanish language session—“ASM En Vivo!"—at ASM Microbe, and the branch produces ASM’s Spanish language podcast “Microbios.”
As we recognize Hispanic and Latine scientists and their achievements, we also acknowledge remaining barriers that must be addressed in the field. According to ASM’s 2020 DEI Taskforce Report survey, 12% of respondents identify as Hispanic and/or Latine. This is not representative of the U.S. population, with 18.4% identifying as Hispanic and/or Latine.
To address these gaps, we aim to increase representation within and accessibility to our leadership, volunteer and mentorship position. We launched the Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship, which supports master’s and doctoral graduate students in exploring leadership opportunities in the microbial sciences. We also developed an open call process on our volunteer page to increase access to ASM’s opportunities and attract a more robust applicant pool.
A Boricua Scientist Educator: From Carolina, Puerto Rico to North Carolina
Verónica A. Segarra, Ph.D., is a Hispanic/Latina scientist, artist, professor and science outreach enthusiast. Segarra celebrates her Hispanic culture by bringing her authentic self into all that she does.
Working in Academia With Mentorship at the Forefront
Jorge Vidal, Ph.D., studies the molecular pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae and has many accomplishments in mentoring. We celebrate his career as associate professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Microbes and Social Equity: The Microbial Components of Social, Environmental and Health Justice
At ASM Microbe 2022, Monica Trujillo, Ph.D., Ariangela Kozik, Ph.D. and Carla Bonilla, Ph.D., emphasized that every aspect of human life—from access to food, housing and health care—impacts how we interact with microbes and microbial ecosystems.
Research Supports Patient Care: Spotlight on Nicole Jimenez
Through her extensive research on various gynecologic conditions, Nicole Jimenez, Ph.D., underscores the critical need for research in this under-studied domain to develop diagnostics and treatment plans.
The Science of Food Safety: Spotlight on Candace Cole
From analyzing drug-resistant bacteria on dairy farms to tracking unresolved foodborne outbreaks, Candace Cole, Ph.D., is on a quest to leverage microbiology to support food safety.
Empowering Others: Spotlight on Dioscaris R. Garcia
Dioscaris Garcia, Ph.D., is dedicated to creating a legacy that isn't merely about scientific achievements, but also becoming a beacon of hope, an advocate for inclusivity and a testament to the transformative power of mentorship.
+Ciencia: A Training Program to Increase Evidence-Based Science Communication and Literacy for Hispanic Students
Science misinformation represents a significant challenge for the scientific community, and Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and the lack of accessible information in Spanish. In this JMBE article, learn about +Ciencia, the first science communication training program in Spanish for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students in Puerto Rico, which aims to provide training and education on science communication for Hispanic minorities through experiential and collaborative learning.
Peer Leader Perspectives From a PLTL Implementation in a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is a pedagogical approach that has been shown to benefit all students, especially underrepresented students and peer leaders in STEM. Learn more about a JMBE study that evaluated the impact of PLTL on peer leaders from a controlled implementation in general biology, general chemistry and statistics courses at a Hispanic-serving, minority-serving institution.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Microbial Sciences—the Texas Perspective
Maria Elena Bottazzi, Ph.D., discusses Hispanic leadership in vaccine sciences while advocating for women in biotechnology in this mBio article.
IBS Biomarkers and Diagnostic Diapers With Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb
Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb, Ph.D., Pew Postdoctoral Fellow working in the Synthetic Biology Center at MIT builds biosensors to diagnose and treat inflammatory disorders in the gut, like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. She discusses how “wearables,” like diagnostic diapers and nursing pads could help monitor microbiome development to treat the diseases of tomorrow.
Hispanic Leadership in Vaccine Sciences With Maria Elena Bottazzi, Ph.D.
Recorded at ASM Microbe 2023, Cesar A. Arias, Ph.D., has a conversation with Maria Elena Bottazzi, Ph.D., about the journey and role of women from historically underrepresented groups in science and the current challenges to delivering science and global health equitably.
Using Bacteria and Fungi to Create Alternative Materials to Concrete
Erika Espinosa-Ortiz, Ph.D., discusses how microbes like fungi and bacteria can be harnessed to create practical materials that can substitute for cement.
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